Monday, June 20, 2011

Three in the Hole

I just mailed off an envelope to Ellora's Cave containing three contracts for a brand new series - my very first series of romantic suspense books.

I've always been a fan of related books but I've never thought far enough ahead to actually plot any out and write them -- until now. From everything I've heard, series books can sell better than independent books because as each new edition is released, the previous books get a healthy bump in sales. And frankly, as a reader, I enjoy glimpses of characters I've read about in previous books that pop up, kind of like old friends.

All this makes me feel a little better about not going to the RWA conference in New York City next week. Although I must admit -- I am completely jealous of everyone heading there. The conference promises to be big and awesome and so many of favorite authors will be there along with just about every editor from all the major publishers. And did I mention that I was born and raised in Queens? But since we're having a family vacation later this summer, it wasn't feasible for me to go.

What about you? Readers - do you prefer reading series to stand alone books. And to all you writers out there - are you going to RWA 11 or are you staying home wallowing in self-pity like me?

8 comments:

I'm not going to RWA either, Wynter, and yes, I'll be home writing and wishing...

Yes, I think series books are a wonderful sales tool. You're right, characters become like old friends and it's always fun to catch up with what they're doing!

Also, when you introduce a character in a story, you don't always have time to develop them as much as you'd like. Giving them their own book in a series is like extra whipped cream on your mocha latte! Delicious...

I love series, but I admit there are very few that are good beyond book 3 or 4. There are a few fantasy and urban fantasy writers who do it well. Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, Jacqueline Carey, but my excitement over the rest has usually died after about number three.